Hay-making reaps record haul

The weather has been good and we have been out making hay while the sun shines. Fifty-three big bales were produced, up from the previous record of 37 in 2023, probably down to the very warm growing season with, unlike many places, enough rain at the right times.

The bales will go to a local horse training centre where they will used for both feed and bedding. Our fields contain a lot of wild flowers and not a lot of grass. Added to this, we cut late once most things have flowered and set seed. Both factors make the fodder unsuitable for cattle and sheep but horses prefer the rough, less nutritious hay and, of course, bedding is bedding.

Hay-making is a key milepost in the annual cycle of changing seasons and a gentle nudge about autumnal things to come. In the meantime, it's harvest supper tonight!